Before competing at Torrey Pines, Woods answers questions about life

Receive the latest sports updates in your inbox

Tiger Woods smiled when addressing San Diego media on Jan. 26, 2011, the day before he tees off at the Farmers Insurance Open at the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Tiger Woods wants to recapture his form from the past decade, and he started to Wednesday with the understatement of the century.

Golf's highest-profile athlete is competing in this week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, and he spoke with the San Diego media Wednesday about personal topics ranging from his health to the scandal that turned his life upside down.

"Well, the thing is that I obviously was consumed by other things in the last year and had to deal with that," Woods said.

Yup.

First Photos of Tiger's Newborn Cub

"Life goes on and life moves forward," Woods said. "That is what's most exciting about this year is having the proper perspective on things. And my kids are doing great, and that's my number one priority. Golf falls somewhere down the list after that."

In Woods' last Torrey Pines appearance, he won the U.S. Open in June 2008 in a dramatic Monday playoff against Rocco Mediate. On Thursday, the two will be paired together.

How things have changed for Woods since gutting through a knee injury to force the playoff hole and defeat Mediate to the wild ovation of the Torrey Pines gallery. He underwent knee surgery and missed the rest of the season.

Tiger Woods' Life and Times

In 2009, Woods became embroiled in a sex scandal that cost him his marriage, reputation and nearly all of his endorsements. Over a dozen women claimed to have had an affair with Woods, including Jaimee Grubbs, a San Diego cocktail waitress.

Woods said after all that, his life is much more balanced and he's competing with a clear mind.

"Well, I think in order to play this game at a high level, it helps to have a clear mind. I've played at the high levels before in the past without a clear mind, but it helps to be consistent. It helps having your life in balance," he said.

On the Green at The Masters

In one of the lighter moments, Woods discussed his use of Twitter to connect with fans.

"It's kind of funny because all they have to do is just text me, but it is kind of fun. I'm starting it to get the hang of it a little bit, but bear with me," he said.